Appointed by the Town Council, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) consist of five regular members serving four-year terms and three alternate members serving two-year terms, with not more than a bare majority from any one party. The list of current ZBA members is available here.Powers and DutiesThe ZBA derives its zoning powers from Chapter 124 of the Connecticut General Statutes. As per CGS Section 8-7, the ZBA hears and decides appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in an order, requirement, or decision made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO); and can vary the application of the Zoning Regulations when strict enforcement would result in exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship, provided that the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Regulations; due consideration is given for conserving the public health, safety, convenience, welfare, and property values; and the variance will result in substantial justice being done. The ZBA cannot hear an appeal from a decision of the TPZC, which can only be appealed in superior court.
